The front doors of the RAC Arena will open at 9 a.m. No tickets are required for the Graduate School Commencement ceremony. Seating is unassigned and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Commencement procession begins promptly at 9:50 a.m., at which time the doors to the RAC will temporarily close. In observance of the National Anthem, guests will not be seated while the anthem is performed. When the doors reopen following the singing of the National Anthem, guests will be seated as space permits.

Allow adequate time to drive to campus, park and walk to the RAC Arena. Remember that rush hour traffic in the Baltimore area may be heavy, as the ceremony is being held on a weekday morning.

Signs will be posted on campus to assist you in locating appropriate parking lots.

General parking for graduates and their guests will be available along Hilltop Circle and in any non-gated parking lots including The Commons Garage. You will not need to pay any metered parking on campus if you elect to park at a metered parking space during the Commencement ceremony. Parking is not permitted at fire hydrants or in fire lanes.

The top deck of the Administration Drive Garage will be reserved for handicapped parking only. All guests must display either handicapped hang tags or license plates. Permits are required for other handicapped parking spaces on campus as well.

There will be a designated drop-off area in front of the RAC on Administration Drive for those family members and guests who may not be able to walk long distances.

On Monday, December 3 through Wednesday, December 5, a professional photographer from Graduation Images will be available to take formal portraits of graduation candidates in their regalia. There is no purchase obligation.

Graduation Images will also photograph each graduate during the ceremony. The graduate will receive color proofs by mail approximately two weeks after Commencement. If you wish to purchase prints, you may do so, but there is no obligation. Graduation Images’ contact information is 800-424-3686 or www.gradimages.com.

Friends and guests are welcome to bring cameras to the ceremony; however, the use of tripods for video and camera equipment is not permitted.

Please check this Commencement Web site for information regarding an inclement weather plan for the December 20 ceremony.

For the most reliable information during inclement weather, consult UMBC’s homepage under the “Announcements” section or call the Hot line telephone number at 410-455-6789. Students may also look for information on myUMBC.

Although the University distributes closing information to regional news outlets,do not depend on the news media for complete, accurate and up-to-date information. Be sure to consult UMBC's homepage.

If one of your guests requires special arrangements, please complete the Graduate School Special Accommodations Form and fax or mail the form to Lisa Morgan in the Graduate School (2nd Floor Administration Building; 1000 Hilltop Circle; Baltimore, MD 21250) no later than Friday, December 9. The fax number is 410-455-5932. Special accommodations may include reserved seating for mobility-impaired persons, as well as hearing-impaired services.

A drop-off point for physically challenged persons has been designated on Administration Drive, near the Administrative Drive Garage. Contact Lisa Morgan at 410-455-8142 if you require further information.